Rays Take on Mariners – MLB Betting Odds

Baseball’s best team will look for a good old-fashioned sweep in Thursday’s baseball betting odds.

That’s when the Tampa Bay Rays will try to win their third in a row in Seattle, where they’ll take on the Mariners.

Thursday, May 06: 10:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay Rays (20-7 SU, 17-10 R/L, 15-12 O/U) at

Seattle Mariners (11-16 SU, 14-13 R/L, 10-16-1 O/U)

Betting Odds:

Tampa Bay: -1 ½, Even, -150 (Jeff Niemann-R)

Seattle: +1 ½, -120, +130 (Ryan Rowland-Smith-R)

Total Runs:

Over 8: -110

Under 8: -110 

Through the first two games in the Pacific Northwest, Tampa Bay has been everything that they’re advertised to be, winning by scores of 5-2 and 8-3. As you can tell, the Rays pitching has been excellent, and expect much the same Thursday.

That’s when youngster Jeff Niemann takes the bump for Tampa. While Niemann doesn’t get nearly the love that his teammates Matt Garza and David Price get, the 27-year-old has been excellent as well. While he’s only 1-0, he has yet to give up more than three earned runs in any of his five appearances early on.

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His last outing was one of his most impressive, as he went 7.1 innings against Kansas City, allowing just three hits and one earned run. Unfortunately, he ended up with his fourth no decision of the season.

Despite the lack of run support, Niemann still has one of the elite offenses in all of baseball behind him. While the names might not all be familiar, the Rays can expose you with speed and skill from top to bottom. Evan Longoria is the star of stars, as the 24-year-old third year player has been phenomenal. He currently leads this team with seven home runs and 22 RBI, while also hitting .356.

Can you say early season MVP? In front of him in the order are speedy outfielders Carl Crawford (.330 batting average) and B.J. Upton, and protecting him is power hitting first baseman Carlos Pena (five home runs and 22 RBI). Told you this lineup was deep!

As for the Mariners, their offense isn’t nearly as powerful, as early on this season they rank second to last in baseball in average runs per game (3.37) and team batting average (.233). Franklin Gutierrez is having a big year offensively with a .343 batting average and three home runs, but other than that, Seattle’s offense is filled with holes.

The only hope that the Mariners will bring in Thursday’s baseball betting odds is that pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith can have a big game. Don’t bet on it. Early in the season, he’s 0-1 with a 5.28 ERA, allowing 17 earned runs in 29 innings.

With better pitching and better hitting, there’s no reason not to make the Rays your play in this game. They are simply a better team, and are playing out of their minds, winning six of their last eight.

Make the Rays your Thursday night baseball bet. Baseball’s best team won’t disappoint!

Aaron’s Pick: Tampa Bay -1 ½, Even >> SIGN UP NOW!